Spring cleaning is a time to restore and rejuvenate the home and peel back the layers of dirt and clutter that accumulate over the long winter months. While cleaning is a huge part of the job, we like to make sure the organizing gets done too. Below is the Maeve's Method three-part plan for a complete…

As featured in mindbodygreen.com. This week, the reality of remote schooling settled in for families across America. I reached out to a few friends who have kids in all age groups—lower, middle, and upper school, plus one preschooler. Some are in apartments while others are in homes with yards and basements. I wanted to know, how…

As featured in mindbodygreen.com. As a part of your stay-at-home preparations, you probably stocked up on all your favorite foods to fuel you in the coming weeks. But after getting home you may have found that your kitchen—especially your fridge, freezer, and pantry—are overwhelmed by your new shopping habits. Here are top tips and strategies…

As featured in mindbodygreen.com. We have entered unprecedented times. In the blink of an eye, the globe is staying at home. Many of you have asked me, what can I do at home during this time? Never before have we had the collective chance to think so broadly about the meaning of our homes. What…

Last fall I embarked on a mini home makeover and I want to share an update! The exciting news is that I got my new furniture and made my new DIY divider wall. This was a big step, as my sofa was 17 years old and my divider wall was a meant to be a temporary…

When was the last time you gave thought to your shower curtain? Likely not lately, but we need to keep an eye on them because they can get moldy if we're not careful, and mold at home can affect your health. Check out my exclusive interview with Well + Good on this topic in their…

It's an honor to once again be featured in Real Simple's Spring Cleaning Edition. This year, the editor's reached out to ask if I could test some of their top cleaning hacks to see if they really work. I got right to it. If you've got the magazine in your home check out my Pro…

Spring is here! I love sharing spring cleaning tips. And it's been fun to share so many different ideas of how to uplift your home during this season. But when it comes down to it, there really are only three best practices for me in my home that are must-do's each spring, to shake out the old…

Your bedroom is supposed to be sanctuary, right? A quiet, cozy place to wind-down and relax at night, and wake refreshed in the morning. Sounds delicious, but for many of us, this definitely not the case. Bedrooms can be catchalls for our goodies from clothes, to books, to furniture and, of course, the knick-knacks of our lives. If…

This article was first featured in New York Family Magazine as The Psychology of Small Space Living. It has been updated to include new content. Getting organized is one of the most difficult tasks we face as adults. No matter how hard we try there never seems to be enough room to keep everything we want…

Summer vacation has come to a close. The kids are back in school, but is your family ready to take on the school year? This time of the year, I tend to hear from parents looking to bring organizational calm to their kid's rooms. From tots to teens, settling back down after months of summer…

It was in my New York City apartment on 17th street in Chelsea that I first began to order space. Overwhelmed by my own lack of systems, I devoted one Saturday to the development of an action plan. It was 1997, and I was 24 years old. I was just as overwhelmed as everyone about…

Once again, it's a wrap! This weekend I led a free Maeve's Method organization workshop at the Dagne Summer Games. Dagne Dover is turning 5 and they are celebrating with a weekend block party full of eats, drinks, games, and shopping in SoHo. Special thanks to all my amazing participants. I loved hearing your stories…

At the top of the summer I had the pleasure of spending two delightful two days in Wicker Park, Chicago. I was in Chicago to connect with Coach Megan and to lead our Making Space for Baby workshop at Mr. Dave Music. My time spent was lovely, with a highlight being the private bag coaching…

Thanks mindbodygreen.com for featuring my eco-friendly, reusable glassware tip in this post: Pro Organizers Can't Get Enough Of These Beautiful Home Storage Tools. #minimalism #decorhacks #storagehacks

What at treat! Earlier this month I was invited on air by Cathy Biase, the host of The Heath Hub, an interactive, forward thinking talk show on Radio Maria Canada. Cathy is a Holistic Nutritionist and Cancer Coach. She is passionate, insightful and a pleasure to connect with. Our conversation went straight to the heart…

Earlier this month I was invited on air by Cathy Biase, the host of The Heath Hub, an interactive, forward thinking talk show on Radio Maria Canada. Cathy is a Holistic Nutritionist and Cancer Coach. She is passionate, insightful and a pleasure to connect with. Our conversation went straight to the heart of the emotional…

The garage is a home’s number-one dumping ground. From gardening equipment to recycling, a garage can go from clean to chaotic in the blink of a winter's eye. I loved being a featured expert in this Martha Stewart post 10 Tips That’ll Make Spring Cleaning Your Garage a Breeze. It inspired me to blog about my…

Last week I took the plunge and self-serviced my iPhone. Like so many, my iPhone 6 took a hit during Batterygate. After working fine for years, it soon became unable to hold a charge for no more than a few hours, and lived in low-power mode. I love DIY and I’m a tech geek, so…

It's official folks, spring is finally here! Thrilled to share my latest article on mindbodygreen packed with tips on how this yearly ritual can be a spiritual or soulful experience. #soulstuff #minimalism #purpose #journey

Are your kids obsessed with slime? Maeve shares her top tips with Today.com on how to clean slime from everything and anything. Whoa! This post got a lot of people talking. Thanks to Today Show for featuring my tips in their post on how to clean up slime stains #slime #slimeeverywhere Posted by Maeve's Method…

Getting organized in your home means different things for different people. And just as the urge to get organized strikes everyone at different times for a myriad of reasons, it's useful to approach each room in your home in a way that makes sense for each space. Over the past year, we partnered with Realtor.com to break…

Is your kitchen a clutter storm? Check out these 13 Kitchen Organizing Mistakes–And the Easy Way to Fix 'Em as presented by Food Network. Tip #7 Shelve Staples features a tip from Maeve about how to take the guesswork out of finding your most-often used items by corralling them together within the tiny walls of…

Maeve shares The 5 Questions Everyone Needs To Ask Before They Start Organizing with her mindbodygreen readership. Check out Maeve's latest blog on mindbodygreen featuring 5 questions everyone needs to ask before they start... Posted by Maeve's Method on Wednesday, February 21, 2018

It can be an exciting, and sometimes scary thing to bring a new person into your life. Whether you’re newly single or have enjoyed the independent life for awhile, what do you do when you’re ready to love and let someone in? Well, with this particular conundrum, we defer to the wisdom of Field of Dreams: “If…

Maeve shares the secrets to her personal success with her mindbodygreen readership in How A Professional Organizer Declutters Her Home.

When was the last time you pressed paused on a project? Or gave yourself permission to step away from a goal? In recent years I've come to humbly accept that pressing pause is an important trait to learn. As the years go on we take on too much, with one life adventure blending over into…

I'm often asked about weekend routines. What does an organizer do on these holy days? And do we have the secret to perfect weekend success? Taste of Home featured one of my favorite weekend habits in their article Reset Your Clean Routine with Tips from Professional Organizers. Here's a deeper dive on the tip I…

A few weeks back I was asked by Well + Good for my thoughts on wire hangers. I was so excited. I love this topic! As my clients know, I am not an organizer who uses rules. So I won't make you buy-one-toss-one or color code your files. But there is one thing that comes…

It's here, that time of year when we feel the urge to let go of things. It's usually pounds off our bodies. But did you know that letting go of household items feels as freeing as dropping weight from your body? Last spring Reader's Digest featured 12 of my ideas in their article Time to Declutter:…

On Thanksgiving we gather with friends and family in homes, kitchens and around tables to eat, drink and share stories and good cheer. We share a meal cooked with love and enjoy a few quiet hours when the world slows down. We press pause, even if only for a few hours, on the franticness of…

Clutter is like opinions, everyone has some! Having a bit of clutter in your home is commonplace and nothing to be ashamed of. But, there are some ill side effects clutter can have on your emotional well-being, health, relationships and career. This clutter infographic from our friends at MakeSpace (they offer full-service storage in Chicago,…

Generally, the last thing on your mind as you walk through the door after a long day is maintaining an organizational routine. I get it, you had a crazy day at work, the 7 train was delayed on your commute home (AGAIN) and you’ve had to pee for 3 hours.  But, challenge yourself to fight…

Rodney is a talented visual artist and entrepreneur. A few years back I helped him to organize a storage room that he shares with his siblings, so I was thrilled when he reached back out for help to organize his art studio. Rodney shared that he was exploring expanding his studio, and the process had caused him to reflect upon what…

During my hot yoga class this week, I noticed that when I move with purposeful intention, I feel better and get more out of the practice than when I get frustrated by how hard it is and just flop down on the mat out of exhaustion.  This same principle can be applied to many areas…

Thrilled to be featured in this Clean Plates post by Lauren Salkeld on 4 Steps To Organizing Your Kitchen—And Your Life.

When I began my career as an organization coach, it was my intention to work only with adults. But I was lucky that my first client had two wonderful children, a five year old daughter and a two year old son. During a session, my client's daughter came home from a playdate and wandered into our…

Families in urban areas have one thing on their minds: space. From apartments to brownstones, there's never enough room to house all the things you need to run life. As I approach an upcoming trip to Chicago to lead my Making Space for Baby workshop, I began musing on this topic. Years back I gave an interview…

How do you declutter and refresh a 114 year old country Inn in under a week on a shoe-string budget? With a clear intention and lots of focused, hands-on work. Last spring I spent four fast-paced days with the magnificent Melissa Levis, Innkeeper of the family-owned Wilburton Inn in Manchester, Vermont. Melissa asked me to help freshen up the…

The following 'Ask Maeve' was featured as part of the Good Housekeeping Spring Cleaning Challenge. Hometalk bloggers from across the country used Maeve's Method to tackle their most challenging trouble spots at home, with 'before' and 'after' results featured in this awesome 11 Unbelievable Spring Cleaning Transformations article. Check out Brooke’s amazing pantry transformation below or on her blog, re-fabbed: Pantry Makeover {Good…

Over the years I've worked with many entrepreneurs to tone down chaos and increase productivity in office spaces. So, it was super fun to put that knowledge to use in a new workshop I've created, Get It Together: Organization for Entrepreneurs. Special thanks to the team at WeWork Chelsea for sponsoring this event. We enjoyed setting up…

Dear friends: My once tiny nephew is having his bar mitzvah this June in Madison, WI. So, I'm swinging through the midwest with a stop in Chicago to lead a workshop and to say hello to Coach Megan, our resident ballerina turned organizer. Megan put me in touch with the dynamic due Dave and Christina…

The following 'Ask Maeve' was featured as part of the Good Housekeeping Spring Cleaning Challenge. Hometalk bloggers from across the country used Maeve's Method to tackle their most challenging trouble spots at home, with 'before' and 'after' results featured in this awesome 11 Unbelievable Spring Cleaning Transformations article. Check out Ashley's amazing bathroom cabinet transformation below or on her blog, Hello Nature: Before…

The following 'Ask Maeve' was featured as part of the Good Housekeeping Spring Cleaning Challenge. Hometalk bloggers from across the country used Maeve's Method to tackle their most challenging trouble spots at home, with 'before' and 'after' results featured in this awesome 11 Unbelievable Spring Cleaning Transformations article. Check out Emily's amazing bedroom transformation below or on her blog, ourhousenowahome.com: Bedroom revamp -…

So you've started a business. You've jumped on the entrepreneurial bandwagon and are ready to share your vision with the world. A modern office and a big idea are all you need to make things happen, right? Not so fast. Creating an organized and productive workspace to support your dream is a mix of both practical solutions (like good…

A home office is more than a desk and a place to store binder clips and papers. For most, it's the nerve center of our homes. We go there to pay bills, to check email, and to correspond with friends. We also go there to dream, to create, to process memories, and to plan our lives. In short, a…

The desk - it's the center of our personal and professional lives and often the heart of our homes. It's a place to sit, to use computers and to daydream (when we just can't get started with what we really need to do). So what does the state of our desk say about us? Society…

For many years I've been meaning to take pen to paper (or fingers to keyboard) to write about this topic. It took me awhile, I guess in part because I am dealing with my own issues around aging parents and their stuff. This week I'm giving a talk on Aging & Clutter at a senior…

Spring is here which makes it a perfect time to take on a small organizing project. Here are some of my favorite tips on how to organize a pantry, as featured in Grandparents.com. If you're in Part 2 of your Maeve's Method spring cleaning and organizing routine this is an ideal small project to take on. Step 1: Take…

Do you have parents who are paring back in life? Or looking to downsize with ease? No matter the situation, the following tips will help to guide you smoothly along. They're also great for those of you with parents facing a shift in health that requires a reorganization of the home. #1. Learn How To Listen The most important…

I recently attended a speaker panel of some of NYC's top moving companies and one of the foreman mentioned that anyone could open a moving business in April - August and be wildly successful.  The spring & summer months are peak moving times and cause many people stress and anxiety at just the thought of…

The following 'Ask Maeve' was featured as part of the Good Housekeeping Spring Cleaning Challenge. Hometalk bloggers from across the country used Maeve's Method to tackle their most challenging trouble spots at home, with 'before' and 'after' results featured in this awesome 11 Unbelievable Spring Cleaning Transformations article. Check out Pam's amazing home office transformation below or on her blog, brownthumbmama.com: Organizing the…

April is a a time for saying goodbye to winter and hello to spring. It is also a great time to say goodbye to belongings you no longer use, and perhaps welcome a few new ones into your life. A fun way to do so is by hosting a clothing swap.  I personally do not…

Have you ever found yourself on the first cold day of autumn lamenting that another warm season has come and gone without your having taken advantage of the opportunity to spend every moment outside? For those of us lucky to have an outdoor space in the city, we benefit from easy access to the outside…

One of the toughest challenges in life is to clean a loved one's home after a death. From time to time I'm asked for tips on this subject, so I decided to gather a few of my top thoughts to help you along. Whether a death is sudden, or something you've had some time to prepare for,…

Coming off New Year’s Intention season, you may have hit the February slump, a time of accepting the reality that you may not immediately improve upon all of your irksome habits. Believe it or not, this is the ideal mental state to prepare you to create sustainable change through self love.  Rather than alter all of…

This month is a good time to reflect on the love you have for where and how you live. Clearing clutter and only living with belongings that are meaningful and useful can tremendously alter the relationship you have with your home. As a Maeve's Method home and office organization coach, I help clients along their…

Finding partnership in life is a journey. And when we do find that spark, thinking about how well we'll live together is often the furthest thing from our minds. But when time passes and we settle into our routines our most relaxed selves come out. And so do our habits at home. If differing organizational styles at home…

My boyfriend and I just moved in together and we're having a hard time deciding how to split space. I have considerably more clothing and toiletries, but he wants to split the closet 50/50. Is it OK to ask for more space? How do I deal with this? Congratulations on your move-in, that's very exciting!…

I often find that the winter season allows me to think more clearly as I spend a greater deal of time cozy and indoors.  Throughout this winter, I've begun to think a lot about how being organized means different things to different people.  And your definition of your organization needs also ebbs and flows throughout…

It's a wrap! Thank you to our partners Dr. Ingrid Edshteyn and Francesca Alfano at Valia Lifestyle for a wonderful #JanuaryRefresh workshop, and to our amazing guests. We enjoyed fresh food, timely kitchen organization tips and hands-on demos to keep us refreshed and inspired for 2017. And what a night it turned out to be.…

Instead of over promising and under delivering with unrealistic resolutions for the New Year, try setting some intentions. With that notion in mind, here are some ways I plan to continue living a healthy, organized, and balanced life. Maybe some of these will work for you. Health Set a goal of three workouts a week and…

Two of the most common goals we tend to set for ourselves at the new year are to get organized at home and to lose weight. If you’ve set an intention to get your home and body healthy in 2017 start first with some basics strategies to get your kitchen organized for nutritional success.  Try these tips,…

It may seem trite but, the new year really is a great time to refocus and shake up our routines and surroundings for the better.  Take this opportunity to refresh your environment, take a look at your home from a fresh perspective and thus, reap the benefits of change.  Making even a few small changes…

Coach Katie shares her top toy organization tip with Realtor.com. Enjoy! Katie's advice on how to organize your kids' never ending influx of toys, thank you for the feature Realtordotcom! http://ow.ly/7xkR307w2xp #toys Posted by Maeve's Method on Saturday, March 4, 2017

The holidays are here, and that means houseguests. So what do you do? Do you run to the store to buy new things? Search Yelp for a 24 hour emergency cleaning company? Don't fret, none of that is necessary. Instead, in :30 minutes or less you can do a quick review and pick up of your…

Last summer I received a coach inquiry from a woman here in New York, and when I looked at the resume I saw that she had worked a few years at a farm owned by friends of mine in Vermont. Naturally, I assumed she had been referred. But amazingly, she found me on her own during…

I love the Holiday season and nearly everything about it.  From the decorations to the music to the family and friends downtime, it's just a great time of year. But, like many others, there are times I feel guilt over the influx of unnecessary gifts I receive. A gift is always a lovely and generous…

It's time for the annual git exchange with friends and family. If the idea of bringing more things into your home (that you probably don't need) causes you some stress, you are not alone. You know how it feels, so don't be that person gifting someone a ten piece tea set. Experiences make for wonderful…

My best friend and I were once driving into the city for a bachelorette party and ended up in Bayonne, NJ. Yes, you heard that right, we are incredibly directionally challenged.  Our detour made us super late to the party and we had no time to hang up the Ryan Gosling, "Hey girl, it's your bach,…

October is a time for getting your home in shape before the cold season arrives. You'll be spending more time indoors once the weather shifts, so why not create a more relaxed yet functional space for yourself? For those who work from home, it can be particularly challenging maintaining a cozy state in your beloved…

What do you get when you mix a radio and tv talk show host, a zen monk and a home organization expert? One very fun interview! Last week I had the pleasure of appearing on live television to discuss and promote my upcoming workshop, Just Breathe: A Workshop To Organize Your Mind and Home. This event…

Last week I posted Part I of my two part Maeve's Method Guide to Closet Organization. Were you able to get started? I hope so! If not, no worries, now that you have both parts in your hands it will be much easier to move things along. Part I was filled with tips about how…

For most of us, the thought of tackling a closet to clear out old or outdated clothes fills us with dread. But no worries, with these simple hints you can cruise through your closet project in a weekend, ready to kick off the following week in style. Enjoy this two-part guide on closet organization. And…

Seemingly everyone has those 1, 2 or 10 tasks that just endlessly drag and somehow never get off of our to do lists. The fact that we merely have to read the task day in and day out seems to taunt us with "you STILL haven't done x,y, or z!? What is wrong with you?" Try approaching…

Maeve shares top tips with Reader's Digest on how to easily get ready for overnight guests. Having overnight guests this weekend? Don't fret! Just lay out some fresh towels and do a quick check on the bathroom.... Posted by Maeve's Method on Friday, October 14, 2016

Years ago when I first began a spiritual practice I often used the mantra, "release and let go." I'd say it over and over in my mind to help me let a sneaky lingering thought go. To release is to detach ourselves from something. To say, "I'm good, I got this. I don't need this…

I've noticed a weird trend with people lately. If I reach out to them and they don't respond immediately, they always say to me, "sorry for the delayed response." Even my best friends will respond like this when I sent a "what uppp" text at 9pm. Clearly, I was just thinking about them and reaching out…

Fall is here. It feels like more of a new year to me than actual New Years. I love the idea of freshening up my wardrobe at this time more than ever. Perhaps you have the urge to make a few changes to your closet as the season changes and school starts up again. Not sure…

I don't know about you - but I can definitely relate to Saved by the Bell Jessie Spano character's "there's never any time!" freak out - sans the caffeine pills dependency of course. Between work, relationships, family, health and wellness, socializing and just plain relaxing, it feels like there is just never enough time to fit…

"I'm going to start my day tomorrow with a run, it'll be great!" confidentially says Tuesday night you. Turns out, Wednesday morning you can be a real jerk sometimes. You accidentally overslept and thus had to rush and cram in what was supposed to be a relaxing work out. To boot, you couldn't find the shorts you…

June is a time for celebrating. For teachers and students it marks the end of of the school year, and for Chicagoans (and many others) it’s the start of warmer weather. My husband and I like to take advantage of the change of season by having an annual stoop sale. This is a great time…

Last New Year's Eve, as the year was winding down to a close, I received a letter from an organizer here in New York looking for advanced training with someone already in the field. I liked her energy right away. Anyone who sends a resume on the last day of the year is OK in…

Last summer I received an email from a woman in Chicago, a ballet dancer exploring second careers. Her career coach encouraged her to speak to those already in the field. We had a lovely chat on the phone, and I found myself asking, might she like to train long distance with me? I've long dreamed…

"I've been wanting to do a workshop where people bring their junk drawers," I said to pal Melissa Levis of the Wilburton Inn. Melissa and I were knee deep in pillows, books and bedspreads as I helped guide the Wilburton Inn through a Spring Cleaning transformation. Next I knew, the Wilburton Inn Spring Cleaning workshop was…

Are you a busy parent? If so, I'm hoping you enjoy the throw-back tip I shared with Working Mother Magazine for parents on the go. It's the Lazy Susan, an old kitchen favorite updated and improved, and ready to help you all over your home. These days, Lazy Susan's come in a variety of cool shapes, colors, and…

Touch everything once. It's one of my favorite Maeve's Method mantras. Dawn Nadeau, entrepreneur and power mom, took on this challenge in 2015 like no one I've seen before. Dawn gifted herself six hours of coaching last winter, with the intention of upgrading her home office. Six months, and ten transformational Maeve's Method sessions later, Dawn emerged having tackled every…

I can't believe it's been over a year since I debuted my new website. Building it was a lot of work, but well worth the effort. One of the best parts was the photo-shoot where we took the principal photography. We had five shots planned for the day, and as my many years of watching…

A few months back I was contacted by Terry's Fabrics, a great retail and on-line marketplace for textile fabrics, located in England. Their Designer Insights section features interviews with designers, furniture makers and architects - and now a handful of home organizers too! It was such a treat to answer these questions, and it gave me a chance…

Good Housekeeping joined Maeve as she helped entrepreneur and mom Dawn Nadeau organize her 7-year-old daughter Abigail's room. Check out Maeve's top tips for how to keep your little one motivated to pick up their room. Enjoy! Have you helped your child to organized their room? Share in the comments below! Photo Credits: Elizabeth Griffin,…

Check out our latest collaboration with Good Housekeeping. Maeve teamed up with GH to tell the story of Dawn's six-month journey to get organized at home - and in life. Also enjoy part II, as Maeve helps Dawn to organize her 7-year-old daughter Abigail’s room. Enjoy! Have you been on a journey to get organized in…

Earlier this month I was asked by GoodHousekeeping.com to share some top tips for a successful morning routine. It got me thinking about routines in general. Why we set them? How many do we need each day? And what happens when a routine we've put carefully into place falls to the side? As we approach year-end, I…

Start your day like a pro organizer - check out our tips and more from Good Housekeeping. Enjoy! How do you start your day? Share in the comments below! Photo Credits: Getty

It's easy to forget about holiday items - you only see them once a year, and the rest of the time, they're tucked in a dark corner. And since our holiday decorations aren't staring us in the face everyday, we tend to store too much and store without care. This year, put just a tiny…

I've been working really hard to pare down this year, and it's been a great feeling! But with the holidays coming up, I'm a bit worried. Between my family, who is big on gift giving, work gift exchanges, and friends, I'm worried all my hard work will be reversed. How do I tell my family and…

My wife and I live in a small one bedroom apartment in New York. We are trying to save money, so we buy lots of our necessities in bulk. The problem is that right after a Costco run, our apartment is filled with the extra items and feels cramped. How do we store everything? Ahh,…

In New York, you're lucky to get an apartment with a closet, and even luckier if that closet is anything more than the smallest of broom closets. We've spent countless hours helping people - and ourselves - maximize their closet space and create a beautiful, streamlined closet. Here are our favorite closet organization solutions from those…

Labor Day has come and gone, as has the autumnal equinox, so while the days might still feel a bit summery, our nights have cooled, and we are officially in fall! I recently shared some stories with DNA.info on how to get an apartment in order as school starts. The reality is, we could all use a little help jumping…

I have a late summer birthday. As a kid, this was fun because my mom would help me to throw a fabulous party in our back yard with pinwheels and cute games like 'Pin the tail on the donkey'. There was nothing sweeter than a gathering of my darling friends in their best summer dresses. Childhood…

It's that time of year, again! Time to trade in beach gear for backpacks and packed lunches. Back to school is the start of a busy time, so this year, get a head start and prep your home before you and your kids become busy with soccer practice, piano lessons, and science fairs. Here are four spaces you…

I'm seven years old and I would like to know how I can make my jewelry box prettier and easier to use. Can you help? Of course I can! I'm so glad you wrote, and I love that you would like to know more about organizing jewelry. I'm going to give you three steps, are you ready?…

Moving can be stressful, especially when you have a family, but it's also an ideal time to get the entire family on board and to bring a little order to your household. If you are about to move your family, here are some top tips to keep in mind: Make a Family Plan As we’ve shared before, a…

Have you picked up the August issue of Real Simple yet? No? Well, hop to it because we're featured in it! Real Simple recently asked us about some of our favorite cleaning tricks to share with their readers, and we went crazy with ideas! Pick up an issue or visit our press page to check them…

I recently moved and am living alone for the first time. I am having a hard time grounding myself in my space. I don't know where to start to make my apartment feel like a home. It feels empty and without personality - what do I do? This is a great question, and a common experience for…

When I was a kid, we had multiple cabinets filled to the brim with decorations for any occasion you could imagine. If it was your birthday, did you want balloon themed plates? Or animals in birthday hats? Simple “Happy Birthday” script in black and white? Unfortunately, I’ve realized, not all of us have the space…

I recently moved into my sister's apartment, which she no longer lives in. I'm extremely grateful for her generosity, as she's giving me a pretty decent discount. The problem is that she's left a lot of her stuff in the apartment - it's filled not only the spare closet, but is also piled all over…

Last fall, we shared some of our go-to organizing tools with Good Housekeeping. This month, they wanted to know about some of our least favorite tools, and we thought of a few extra to share with you! Check out their post to see how we feel about stacking desktop organizers and label makers, and enjoy our extra…

Look at any of life’s most stressful events, and you’re bound to find moving on the list. Though we haven’t been able to find out exactly how stressful moving is, anyone who’s been through it can tell you that it’s stressful enough. There are tons of tips and tricks to help you ease the stress…

For many, Mother's Day is a time of reflection, a day to think about the relationship that we have with our mom. As I look around my home preparing for this piece, I see my mom's influence everywhere. I see a red teapot on my stove that she gifted to me to match the red theme in my…

So often I walk into a home to find a beautiful space that just doesn't feel quite right. Maybe it's crowded, maybe it feels too spread out or a little sparse, but it's almost always the result of someone setting up their space the way they've been told. There's nothing wrong with a few guidelines…

My clothing closet drives me crazy! I have a lot of clothes, so I keep thinking the more hangers the merrier, but the more hangers I have, the messier it looks! Part of the problem is that I use wire hangers from the cleaners, then a variety of plastic and wooden hangers from different homes. Everything…

Happy Earth Day! Today is all about our environment and making it a better, cleaner, and healthier place. And, what better place to start than right in your own home? On Earth day, we're reminded to keep things simple as we live and organize at home. Here are a few ideas to green your next organizing project in your…

As you can imagine, spring is is a busy season for Maeve's Method. Spring cleaning doesn't get any easier, and every year people are dying to know what works and how to get started, painlessly. This year, we were honored to be featured in many New York and national sources, and we wanted to share with you…

If you're part of the 25% of Americans who submit their taxes in April, you're probably just now wrapping up your tax return. Every year, tax day creeps up on us and catches us scrambling at the last minute. This year, think ahead and make next year easier on yourself or your tax preparer. While your taxes…

Seasons change and so should your wardrobe; and we've finally started to see some of those spring changes. Now that the weather has warmed a little and the snow has melted, it's time to bring out your spring dresses and summer shorts! While you’re rotating out your winter clothing for your spring clothing, try some of…

This weekend is the beginning of a season filled with gathering and hosting, starting with Passover and Easter. In these celebratory months, our kitchens see quite a bit more action. So take time now, before the craziness sets in, to take stock of your kitchen. Here are a few quick projects you can do to prep your kitchen for…

I've got a good sized closet in my front hall but boxes are stacked so high on the top shelf. It's easy to get stuff up there but when I need something it all comes tumbling down. I've tried to pare down but I still have to stack a few boxes. Any thoughts? Great question!…

Spring is slowly making its way into our lives and our homes, as well. Last week we posted a few projects to help you spring forward, and hopefully you were able to get started and are now ready to dive a little deeper! This week we're gearing up to springify our bathrooms. Here are a few tips…

Dear Maeve: My husband misplaced his keys today. They vanished after returning from a walk. I found them later tangled in the dog leash, but felt frantic during the hours that they were gone. Is this common? Are there emotions that everyone feels when valuable things are misplaced? - Sandy, Ontario, Canada. Dear Sandy, Great…

Winter 2015 went down as one of the coldest on record here in parts of the Northeast, and although warmer weather has finally appeared (yay!) it will be a few more weeks before we can bask fully in the glory of spring. This is the time of year when we need to practice a little patience. If…

Daylight savings time begins this Sunday, which hopefully means that spring is on the way! But while daylight savings time means that we’ll have longer days and more light, it also means that we’ll start getting antsy for spring to really start. While we wait for spring to show its full force, we like to…

If you have kids in New York, chances are they’re home for the mid-winter recess. And with the extra cold weather expected this week, it’s the perfect time to get organized at home with your kids. A child’s room is a hub of great activity: an area for sleep, homework, play, hanging out with friends,…

I have to admit, I really like Valentine's Day. I know, it can be a sappy holiday and people are very divided about it (is it a real event or a greeting card construct?). But when I see red paper hearts on store windows in the middle of winter's gloom, I can't help but smile. Red hearts on…

I have a roommate and we share our main living space. I find it really hard to relax at home, like I don't have anywhere to unwind. How do I do this, but also not get in the way of my roommate? A great question! Having roommates can be a fun experience, and is often…

Our homes are an important and influential piece of our lives. How you feel when you walk in your door, when you wake up, or while hosting parties, affects every part of your day. So often we get stuck in the mentality that there is a right way to organize our space; we get caught up in trends without thinking…

My husband and I are facing a move. Our new home is small, and we can only take half our stuff. We raised two kids in this house. There's so much stuff. I can't face the loss. What do we do?  Leaving a family home is a significant transition for anyone, and on top of that you need to…

Last week we announced our 2015 resolutions to everyone and among those was one about digital storage. More specifically, we wanted to organize digital memories. Memorabilia of the past consisted of paper, printed photos, and cards. It was concrete, easy to store, easy to find, and fun to look through. These days, though, memorabilia is showing up…

I'm a busy professional and when I come home at night I am tired and I dump stuff all over the place. Can you help? I hear this one a lot. I've seen many clients who come home from work tired and so they tend to dump things around the home. I can relate! I, too, dump…

I began my career as an organizer in early 2004. I loved the work. It was invigorating, and I never felt more connected to my soul's purpose than when helping someone to overcome a block or fear at home. My first year I helped people with a range of solutions - from home office systems to clearing space before a baby…

This past week we were featured in a Good Housekeeping article - 10 Smart Resolutions of Pro Organizers. When this first came out, we were so thrilled to be a part of the "smart" organizers. And then we realized that everyone who read this article now knew exactly what our 2015 goals were. There was…

December is the season of holidays, visiting, and gifting. For those of you who have a holiday gathering to attend but have not yet had time to get a gift, don't worry, there are plenty of options out there that are both fun and easy to prepare at home, or pick up last minute. Here are…

I'm having a holiday get-together in a tiny apartment, how can I maximize space and make people feel at home? That's a great question, and one that presses on a lot of people. I've lived in a tiny home for a lot of years (in New York City!) and over time I've used a few…

I recently spoke with Good Housekeeping about some of the lies people tell themselves about getting and staying organized. I love this topic, as helping people to avoid these pitfalls is what we do. Our goal is to help individuals have a successful and rewarding - and never discouraging - home organization journey. Here are…

GoodHousekeeping.com recently asked us about some of our favorite organizational tools, and we couldn't help but share a few more with you. Read the full post at goodhousekeeping.com. Trays Square hi-gloss swoon tray, cb2.com We love trays! And we use them all the time. They're ideal for sectioning off space on shelves, desks, in drawers,…

My son is struggling at school. We were told to create space at home so he can focus on homework. The problem is we live in a tiny apartment, the same one my wife and I have shared since marriage, and we can't afford to move. What can we do? I feel for your situation. Please know that this is more common than…

Trying to get organized at home is one of the most difficult tasks faced by New York City families, especially when it comes to back-to-school for our kids. The truth is, New York City living pressure-cooks the space issue: we do not have basements, backyards or attics where we can store our outgrown or off-season goods.…

I'm out in Park City, Utah now, staying in a place that belongs to my in-laws. We were looking around in various drawers to find the key to the swimming pool gate. On the phone from Memphis, my father-in-law suggested that I look in a drawer underneath the telephone. I opened it and found about…

At age eighteen, I had an amazing opportunity. I student taught at an innovative pre-school where I learned far more than how to teach ABCs. I learned that environment matters. Kids do best at picking up and putting things away when they know where things live. I learned that volume overwhelms. Kids experience frustration when…

I love seeing the innovative ways that people “get organized” in their day-to-day lives. My friend Jennifer comes up the best, by far. Last spring we sat in Madison Square Park for a visit. Jennifer is the queen of cool ideas. She seems to always be up on the latest web trend or new mommy…

I had these sneakers for nearly 15 years. I was in love with them despite the urges from those around me who did all but beg me to get rid of them with promises that a new pair would offer me all that these had and more. Nope! This was true love. These sneakers made…

Meet Nicole Wells. Visit her professional website and you'll learn that she turned her greatest fear - public speaking - into her greatest asset: teaching others how to speak with confidence. Nicole is my public speaking coach. I love her. She is one of the most professional, fun, funny (squash that, hilarious) ladies that I know. Using…

Now’s the time to invest in a closet system that does the sorting for you, with space for shelves, hanging rods and slide-out drawers or bins. There are a variety of options, from custom-built California Closets, to more easy-to-install DIY varieties that can be found at The Container Store, Home Depot or Target. These units are…

The Facts: Excess baby clothes pile up fast. Incorporate Age & Stage Clothing bins into your infant’s room. Store them under the crib or on high closet shelf. How To Sort: Sort clothing not in use by age, by season or by size. Do The Math: When bins overflow Do The Math. Calculate how many…

Whether nesting or a new parent, here are a few easy projects you can take on to welcome baby: Kitchen Prep: Your kitchen is a hub of new-baby activity, so sterilize one cabinet shelf or drawer for bottle storage and eventually spoons, bibs and bowls. Also eliminate countertop clutter - you'll need the space as…

Meet Kathryn Mayer, CEO of executive coaching firm KC Mayer Consulting, Inc. I first met Kathryn Mayer in 2007, a few months before she and her husband made a lifestyle shift, from a dark, pre-war one-bedroom on Manhattan's Upper West Side to a larger, brighter newly renovated luxury condo in a landmark building in Midtown. I love…

Maeve Help! My home is too small. I can't organize all my stuff. What do I do? - Sarah, NYC. First, take a breathe. Second, understand that feeling organized is not always about finding a place for everything that you own. Sometimes it's about owning only things that fit inside your space. If you owned…

Working with Jacquie and Daniel was fun on so many levels, but my favorite was how they pulled together as a team to make tough choices about how to best organize their home. [wowslider id=”12″]

I'm delighted to share some highlights from my amazingly fun session with Jacquie and Daniel Butler, winners of my Intown Atlanta Parents of Multiples Club raffle. We worked two hours and just as we were wrapping their darling twins, Isaac and Tallulah, woke up from their nap. They cruised right through the newly ordered living room…

Create Kid Power Children love responsibility. Invite them to participate when doing Maeve’s Method in the home. Ask a child to show you what they like, what they don’t like, accept their answers and thank them heartily for their input. Empower your kids with responsibility and watch them get excited for their weekly home and…

  I’m headed to Atlanta, GA in a few weeks to soft-launch my national tour, Organizing Homes Across America. One stop will be an evening talk at the Intown Atlanta Parents of Multiples Club. To drum up excitement, I advance raffled off a home session, and much to my delight, the raffle was won by Jacquie Butler…

Meet Nicole Wells. If you visit her website you'll learn that she turned her greatest fear - public speaking - into her greatest passion: teaching others how to to the same. Nicole is my public speaking coach. She is one of the most professional, fun and hilarious women I know, and when she asked if I'd help…

Recently I spent an afternoon working with a pre-teen named Tim. His mom is a client and she asked me to stop by and spend some time with her son. She felt that he was not able to keep his room neat and worried about things getting worse next year when he went to a new…

Joyce, an Upper East Side mother of twin 2-year old-boys, is always on her toes. “I’m constantly two steps behind,” she said at a recent meeting of the Manhattan Mother of Twins Club, a support group for parents with multiples. “The boys have two of everything. My husband and I are out-numbered.” I reminded Joyce her…

Photo Credit: M. Bartosch Every home should be a haven, a place of serenity for you and your family. This holiday season, take time to organize your home – before and after the holidays – and keep the season of giving and celebrating relaxed and enjoyable for all. Less Clutter for the Holiday The ‘I…

It has to be done. The Holidays are over and I’m taking a half hour to clean out my fridge. Here’s how: Maeve’s Five Steps to a Fresh Fridge: 1. Expiration Date: If it is past its prime toss it. Especially condiments. They may look ok, but… 2. Clean with a mixture of vinegar and…

You know it… that feeling that comes the second a vacation begins. Sometimes kicking in as soon as your first step out the door, suitcase in hand. I find this feeling humbling. Work and life obligations distance in a second (what was I worrying about?). Adventure begins. This week I took off to Montreal for…

Just my luck. We are in the midst of a cold spell and my heat is out. Thanks to my hearty Vermont blood I’ve been able to withstand it for three days, but last night was bad. Like a child I stood in my bedroom ready to tantrum (arms flailing, pointing towards the walls of…

  51st & 7th, NYC   Yesterday was freezing. Bitter cold. I left an early morning meeting in midtown and stumbled into Sahki and his Soup on Wheels Stand at 51st & 7th. Tomato Bisque, Chicken Gumbo, Split Pea, Pasta Fagoili, Chilli con Carne all homemade and piping hot in industrial kettles. What does this…

There’s a groundswell in the NYC business community. Entrepreneurs, like myself, are using the economic downturn to our advantage by leveraging Social Networking. There are events going on all over the city (BNI, The Real Deal, Ladies Who Launch) that bring together entrepreneurs to talk about and sell services in fun, social settings. This is…

Last weekend my friend Anna and I went to our first clothing swap of ’09 (read here to learn how to throw your own). It was loaded up with designer clothing and accessory treasures. Anna made a clean sweep. Check it out: In this jumble of heels… which I straightened, Anna found… Oscar de la…

‘Tis the season for shopping, right? Not anymore. But how about swapping? And I don’t mean bartering goods. I mean willingly laying your stuff on a table for anyone to pick up, and for you to do the same. I was introduced to the art of swapping by veteran swap producer, Victoria C. Rowan, known…

The holidays are for giving, yes, but that doesn’t mean we must LOVE everything we receive. Do yourself a favor and get rid of holiday gifts you don’t like ASAP. This means the thoughtful but not your style candle, frame, juicer, self-help book, gift certificate, sweater, scarf, child’s toy. Bring things to your office, offer…

I sent my previous post as an email and my inbox is now flooded with things people have tossed/are tossing. (see Happy New Year 2009!) This begs a follow up… What did you/are you getting rid of??? Comment and forward this question to everyone you know with that little there email icon below. Let’s Go…

Even the organizer needs inspiration… I dumped 1,000 emails 3 bags of paper 1 bag of misc. stuff And tacked up this note. Happy New Year! Maeve’s apt. Self Portrait: Scrap Paper on Motivation Mirror 12.29.08

With a little effort you can breeze through holiday stress triggers: Foods To Avoid: Many of us have foods we know we can’t eat (wheat, sugar, dairy, caffeine, soy). They trigger energy spikes, induce cravings and affect our mood. So what’s a holiday reveler to do? Be disciplined: sit out cookies, cakes and alcohol for…

Gift Cards: Major retailers and pharmacies carry gift cards starting at $15. Walk in or log on to The Home Depot, Barnes & Noble, CVS and others. Buy the gift that lets them choose. One Size Fits All: Give the same thoughtful gift to everyone on your list: from home-baked cookies to a best-selling DVD or…

Wish List: Think about what will make your home more livable: Perhaps fresh paint or reduced clutter. Write it down. Goal Plan: List practical things you can do each week to keep your house in order: sort photos, toss voluminous kid art projects (!). Write a Letter: Address it to yourself. List your dreams for…

My friend Kristin Duarte called last week and said, “I’m sort of organized but if I have to sit here and look at things they way they are, it will drive me crazy.” Sort of organized? Kristin is one of the most highly effective people I know. Nevertheless, with the changing economy and a couple…

Every home should be a haven. A place of serenity for you and your family. Make peace with yourself and learn to love the way you live: What I Love: Name activities that nurture – like dinnertime or bedtime reading. What’s Missing: Name activities you’d like to introduce – like game night or a stress…

Remember, your goal is to reduce volume. A clutter free New Yorker is a happy New Yorker. Try each of these tips this week and let me know how it goes: Toss Five: Toss five expired items from your fridge, kitchen or medicine cabinet. Renew your home, body and spirit. Re-Gift: Give away a gift…

Yesterday I did what every single, 35-year old New York City girl should do on a Sunday afternoon: I rocked out to a concert for tots. The 1-7 year olds dancing in the aisles at the Daryl Roth Theater where no match for my audience-participation maracas, but they expended more energy which made me think,…

Every home has something to love. Look beyond perceived household mess and discover the treasure within: Comfort: Notice things that without fail make you smile, as simple as morning sun across the kitchen floor. Color: Locate colors that frequently appear in your home. You chose them for a reason – embrace this instinct. Display: Find…

Today I’m at Half King in Chelsea just below the High Line. As you can see it’s a gorgeous fall day. Sit down lunches are rare for me but my mind is on overload and I need my Daytime Notebook. For me, blank paper is like the adult version of a binky. I drain my…

Facing an upcoming move? Perfect, because moving is the best time to declutter. Pack with intention and you’ll save money on moving costs (fewer boxes, fewer hours): Here’s how to get down to brass tacks: Like Things Live Together: Before you box, gather like items into piles: books with books, office supplies with office supplies.…

Avoid scary piles by reducing the volume of your incoming mail. Take control of your burgeoning, bulging inbox with these simple tools: Eliminate Junk Mail: Let your garbage can be your friend. Toss junk mail as it comes in – before it turns into clutter. Go Paperless: Register online for credit card, bank and financial…

Yael Denbo, co-founder of inBloom – NYC’s premiere baby planning service – knows how to nest. Here’s how Yael (pictured here in May at her baby shower – she gave birth to an amazing baby boy in July!) readied her home for baby: Kitchen Prep: Your kitchen will be a hub of activity. Sterilize cabinets…

Seasons change, and so should your wardrobe. As you rotate summer clothes to fall, follow these guidelines: Empty all bags and shirt, skirt and jacket pockets Wash your clothes to remove dirt, stains and odors Fold clothes neatly before you put them away – avoid wrinkling Make a pile for donation. Hint: anything you’ll never…

“You must be so organized.” It’s one of the first things people say when we first meet and I share that I’m a home organizer. I am organized, but that’s because I structure my life in creative ways designed to meet my needs. Here’s an example, at night I’m prone to flinging clothes over my sliding glass shower doors. It’s a…

This summer I had the pleasure of working with Sue and her lovely daughter Sisi. Sisi and Sue had been sharing a workspace at home but it was time for Sisi to have her own space. We got to work and two hours later Sisi and a new desk to call home. A week later during our check-in…

Oh wow! Last week I had a crazy experience. My cat Telly was featured in a book Cats 24/7: Extraordinary Photographs of Wonderful Cats. His photo was put up in Bryant Park along with dozens of others. They had an opening celebration with the lovely Lynn Redgrave (who brought her sweet dog). And as New Yorkers do,…